Gameday: Wolves at Milwaukee

Last update: November 5, 2009 - 7:59 PM

Preview: Both the Bucks and Timberwolves probably will consider this an early-season "must-win" game. After all, in many preseason media polls, the Bucks were considered a lock for the bottom of the East and the Wolves were among the favorites for worst of the West. It's still early enough for both teams to take offense at those "expert predictions."

Player to watch: Brandon Jennings, the Bucks' rookie point guard, leads all first-year players in points per game (22.0) and minutes (34.7) and is second in assists (5.3) and steals (1.67). The part of his game that was considered a weakness, outside shooting, has been a surprise, too. He leads rookies in three-pointers made (seven) and is shooting 48.1 percent (19-for-40) from the field in the Bucks' first three games.

Numbers: Minnesota swept the season series last year with two January victories. ... The Wolves have won nine of their past 10 Target Center games against the Bucks. The only loss was a 113-107 decision on Dec. 22, 2006.

Injuries: Wolves F Kevin Love (hand) is out. ... For Milwaukee, Michael Redd (knee) and Joe Alexander (hamstring) are out.

MARK WOLLEMANN

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